Scarborough RNLI Hosts Its Flag Day

The fundraising event coincides with Seafest taking place at the south bay. It's followed by an RNLI open day at the lifeboat house on Sunday (22 July.)

Today, the all weather and inshore lifeboats will be launched at around 1.00pm with Mayor Joe Plant on board the Shannon.

This will be followed by a joint exercise with the coastguard's search and rescue helicopter at 3.00pm.

On Sunday, there'll be a service in the lifeboat house from the Reverend Richard Walker at 11.15am and the Shannon will be on display in the afternoon.

On both days, visitors will be shown around the lifeboathouse and, for a small donation, allowed to board the Shannon.

There's also a chance for anyone who's interested in joining the lifeboat crew to find out more.

Lifeboat Operations Manager Andy Volans said:

"Because the Seafest people wanted to raise the profile of the seagoing communities locally, and we are part of that community.

We've tied in with them, we can work with them as well. We share spaces and equipment as well.

We are part of the local community and the Seafest is a festival of the local seagoing community, plus all the other people who want to get involved.

The RNLI will also be issuing safety advice, after the Scarborough lifeboats were recently involved in two major searches for people at sea.

Andy added:

"We try to give advice to the various groups; fishermen, sailors, canoeists, walkers and dog walkers, on just how to stay safe.

We all panic when things go wrong, if you can teach people simple tricks that will ensure one; they'll call help quickly and two; that they will survive long enough for the boat to get to them, then we will probably reduce those death rates."